February 11, 2018 – Evolution/Transfiguration Sunday

Childcare is available for infants through preschool age, downstairs in Rooms 4 and 5 for morning and evening services

Sunday School for Children and Youth – after worship

Seminar: “Evolution Sunday” – 11:00 a.m.

Youth Fellowship – 6:00 p.m.

From the Pastor/Head of Staff

The illumination for Job 38 from the Saint John’s Bible.

Biblical scholars will tell you that the Bible does not speak with one voice. Walter Bruggemann characterizes the Bible as having testimony and counter-testimony. In other words, scripture argues with itself. Take suffering as an example. Why do people suffer? If you listen to the Deuteronomic tradition, which includes more than just the book of Deuteronomy, suffering happens to sinners. It’s the kind of thinking that leads to the disciples’ question in John chapter 9: “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” That was the understanding. If you were righteous, then you would prosper. If you were a sinner, then you would suffer. Well, other parts of the Bible contradict this. Some of the Psalms and the Prophets ask, “How long must the righteous suffer?” Indeed, the parable that is the Book of Job is one long argument against Deuteronomic, this-for-that kind of thinking. The passage we will hear on Sunday from Job 38 presents God’s response to Job’s passionate cry for justice and for an explanation. “Where were you…” God asks over and over. The clear implication, which Job appreciates very well, is that we should be much more humble about what we say we are so sure of when it comes to God, the Bible, and creation. We weren’t there. Since we weren’t there, maybe we will do well to listen to what science has to say. Join us on Sunday as we celebrate Evolution Sunday and the Transfiguration.